Search Results (1,922)

Under the dual backdrop of the Healthy China strategy and the concept of sustainable development, optimizing the spatial layout of primary healthcare facilities is important for fairly distributing healthcare resources and strengthening the resilience of the public health system in a sustainable way. This study introduces an innovative 3D spatial resilience evaluation framework, covering transmission (service accessibility), diversity (facility type matching), and stability (supply demand balance). Unlike traditional accessibility studies, the concept of “resilience” here highlights a system’s ability to adapt to sudden public health events through spatial reorganization, contrasting sharply with vulnerable systems that lack resilience. Method-wise, the study uses an improved Gaussian two-step floating catchment area method (Ga2SFCA) to measure spatial accessibility, applies a geographically weighted regression model (GWR) to analyze spatial heterogeneity factors, combines network analysis tools to assess service coverage efficiency, and uses spatial overlay analysis to identify areas with supply demand imbalances. Harbin is located in northeastern China and is the capital of Heilongjiang Province. Since Harbin is a typical central city in the northeast region, with a large population and clear regional differences, it was chosen as the case study. The case study in Harbin’s main urban area shows clear spatial differences in medical accessibility. Daoli, Nangang, and Xiangfang form a highly accessible cluster, while Songbei and Daowai show clear service gaps. The GWR model reveals that population density and facility density are key factors driving differences in service accessibility. LISA cluster analysis identifies two typical hot spots with supply demand imbalances: northern Xiangfang and southern Songbei. Finally, based on these findings, recommendations are made to increase appropriate-level medical facilities, offering useful insights for fine-tuning the spatial layout of basic healthcare facilities in similar large cities. Full article

Two fluorescent ureido-dihomooxacalix[4]arene derivatives containing naphthyl residues at the lower rim (1 and 2) were studied for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) in solution and in vapour phases. Their affinity in solution was determined by UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy. For NAC vapour sensing, calixarenes were dispersed in a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) matrix. Four new solvated crystals of dihomooxacalix[4]arene 2 were obtained and the solvent’s influence on its structural characteristics was investigated. The solvent-dependent structural variations observed in the crystal structures highlight the intrinsic flexibility of the calixarene framework. Such conformational adaptability, evident in the disruption and reorganization of hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions, is directly relevant to nitroaromatic sensing, where a rapid and reversible host response is crucial for effective detection. Theoretical calculations were also performed to provide further insights on the binding process. The corrected Stern–Volmer constants (K_SV) obtained showed that both receptors present selectivity for TNP and follow the same quenching order (TNP > NT > NB > DNT > TNT > DNB). Factors other than electron density distribution should dominate the quenching extent and therefore the values of the SV constants, which will be greatly overestimated if no correction to the inner filter effect is applied. Detection of NB and NT and vapours by both calixarenes produced a complete, very fast (2 to 5 s), and reversible quenching, indicating the potential use of this porous PTFE–calixarene matrix for the sensing of volatile NACs. Full article

The retrogradation of starch strongly influences the texture and stability of starchy foods. This study applied low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) to examine the effect of buckwheat hull (BH) fiber and green barley (GB) on water dynamics in normal (NPS) and waxy (WPS) potato starch gels. Relaxation times (T₁, T₂) and mean correlation times (τ_c) were monitored during 15 days of storage to evaluate changes in water mobility and starch–polymer interactions. Results showed that WPS, with its high amylopectin content, retrograded earlier than NPS. The addition of BH inhibited conformational changes associated with water binding in WPS gels, indicating that insoluble fiber entrapped water within the amylopectin network. Conversely, GB promoted higher τ_c values in WPS, reflecting enhanced ordering and reduced water mobility, while its impact on NPS was minor. In NPS systems, BH decreased τ_c, suggesting disruption of amylose-driven structural reorganization. These findings demonstrate that BH and GB exert opposite effects on starch retrogradation and highlight their potential as functional additives for tailoring texture and stability in starch-based food systems. Full article

This study investigates the impact of post-volcanic gas emissions on soil microbial communities in the Băile Lăzărești region (Romania). Nineteen soil samples across a CO₂ gradient ranging from background levels to ≈46,221 ppm. Methane and hydrogen sulfide showed localized peaks (CH₄ up to 8271 ppm; H₂S up to ~10.12 ppm), with CH₄ contributing to outlier community patterns. eDNA metabarcoding identified 3064 OTUs, (2463 bacterial and 601 fungal). Bacteria were dominated by Proteobacteria, fungi by Ascomycota, with Thelebolales nearly ubiquitous. Alpha diversity (Chao1, Fisher) declined significantly in high-CO₂ soils (>3000 ppm), while intermediate concentrations (1000–3000 ppm) showed heterogeneous responses. Beta-diversity analyses (PCoA, clustering) revealed distinct grouping of high-CO₂ soils, with sample P16 (CH₄-rich) forming an outlier. A PCA including CO₂, CH₄, and H₂S confirmed CO₂ as the main driver of variance (>65%), with CH₄ accounting for local effects. At the genus level, Acidobacterium, Granulicella, Streptomyces, and Nocardia increased with CO₂, while Rhizobium and Pseudomonas declined. Fungal responses were mixed: Thelebolus and Cladosporium increased, whereas Mortierella and Cryptococcus decreased. Overall, elevated soil CO₂ reduced microbial richness and reorganized communities, while CH₄ shaped local niches. These findings provide key natural analog insights for assessing ecological risks of CO₂ leakage from geological storage. Full article

This study presents a computational investigation into the design of triphenylamine-based donor chromophores incorporating 2-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)rhodanine as the acceptor unit. Three molecular architectures (System-1 to System-3) were developed by introducing distinct thiophene-derived $\pi$-bridges to modulate their electronic and optical characteristics for potential application in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs). Geometrical optimizations were performed at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level, while excited-state and absorption properties were evaluated using TD-DFT with the CAM-B3LYP functional. Frontier orbital analysis revealed efficient charge transfer from donor to acceptor moieties, with System-3 showing the narrowest HOMO–LUMO gap (1.96 eV) and the lowest excitation energy (2.968 eV). Charge transport properties, estimated from reorganization energies, indicated that System-2 exhibited the most favorable balance for ambipolar transport, featuring the lowest electron reorganization energy (0.317 eV) and competitive hole mobility. Photovoltaic parameters calculated with PC₆₁BM as acceptor predicted superior $V_{oc}$, $J_{sc}$, and fill factor values for System-2, resulting in the highest theoretical power conversion efficiency (10.95%). These findings suggest that $\pi$-bridge engineering in triphenylamine-based systems can significantly enhance optoelectronic performance, offering promising donor materials for next-generation OSC devices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Approach-avoidance behavior is critical for adaptive behavior. The neural basis of these behaviors has been investigated extensively, but the effect of odor valence is unclear. This study tested how positive, negative, and neutral odors affect behavior and event-related potentials (ERPs) in the approach-avoidance task (AAT). Methods: Thirty-two healthy participants performed an AAT. We measured reaction time, accuracy, and ERP components (P1, N1, N2, P3) to understand the process of motivational processing over time. Results: Participants responded faster and more accurately when the direction and target type were congruent under all odor conditions. Odors did not change this core consistent pattern. In contrast, ERP results revealed stage-specific modulations. P1 and N1 components reflected odor-related changes in early sensory processing. The N2 effect present under the air condition was largely absent under positive and negative odors. This suggests reduced conflict monitoring. P3 amplitudes were consistently larger for avoidance than for approach responses, regardless of odor valence. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that odor valence reorganized the neural dynamics of the AAT without changing behavioral performance. This finding shows that olfactory valence modulates attention and control mechanisms and plays a unique role in regulating human motivation. Full article

Whole genome doubling (WGD) triggers profound genomic and epigenetic reorganization, yet the functional dynamics of DNA methylation during this process remain incompletely resolved. Here, we integrate whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and three-dimensional chromatin interaction data to display methylation landscapes in autotetraploid Arabidopsis thaliana. Our analysis reveals evolutionarily conserved spatial patterning of DNA methylation after WGD, with centromeric enrichment and telomeric depletion. Chromosome-level profiling identifies Chromosome 2 as the most highly methylated across CG, CHG, and CHH contexts, while Chromosome 1 shows the lowest methylation. Subcontext methylation analysis uncovers increases in methylation levels in autotetraploid Arabidopsis thaliana, most pronounced in the CHH context, yet global distribution patterns remain stable. Comparative methylation profiling around genes and transposable elements (TEs) reveals elevated CHH methylation in autotetraploid gene bodies and flanking regions, whereas TE bodies exhibit minimal changes despite minor flanking hypermethylation. Strikingly, 8% of chromatin compartments were restructured, and B-B interactions weakened in autotetraploid, while DNA methylation remained stable across shifting A/B compartments. Our findings suggest that DNA methylation serves as a resilient epigenetic modification during WGD, even if 3D chromatin architecture undergoes reorganization upon WGD in some degree. Full article

Background: Hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) is a motor dysfunction disorder resulting from perinatal developmental brain injury, predominantly impairing upper limb function in children. Nonetheless, there has been insufficient research on the brain activation patterns and inter-brain coordination mechanisms of HCP children when performing motor control tasks, especially in contrast to children with typical development(CD). Objective: This cross-sectional study employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to systematically compare the cerebral blood flow dynamics and brain network characteristics of HCP children and CD children while performing upper-limb mirror training tasks. Methods: The study ultimately included 14 HCP children and 28 CD children. fNIRS technology was utilized to record changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) signals in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC/RPFC) and motor cortex (LMC/RMC) of the subjects while they performed mirror training tasks. Generalized linear model (GLM) analysis was used to compare differences in activation intensity between HCP children and CD children in the prefrontal cortex and motor cortex. Finally, conditional Granger causality (GC) analysis was applied to construct a directed brain network model, enabling directional analysis of causal interactions between different brain regions. Results: Brain activation: HCP children showed weaker LPFC activation than CD children in the NMR task (t = −2.032, p = 0.049); enhanced LMC activation in the NML task (t = 2.202, p = 0.033); and reduced RMC activation in the MR task (t = −2.234, p = 0.031). Intragroup comparisons revealed significant differences in LMC activation between the NMR and NML tasks (M = −1.128 ± 2.764, t = −1.527, p = 0.025) and increased separation in RMC activation between the MR and ML tasks (M = −1.674 ± 2.584, t = −2.425, p = 0.031). Cortical effective connectivity: HCP group RPFC → RMC connectivity was weaker than that in CD children in the NMR/NML tasks (NMR: t = −2.491, p = 0.018; NML: t = −2.386, p = 0.023); RMC → LMC connectivity was weakened in the NMR task (t = −2.395, p = 0.022). Conclusions: This study reveals that children with HCP exhibit distinct abnormal characteristics in both cortical activation patterns and effective brain network connectivity during upper limb mirror training tasks, compared to children with CD. These characteristic alterations may reflect the neural mechanisms underlying motor control deficits in HCP children, involving deficits in prefrontal regulatory function and compensatory reorganization of the motor cortex. The identified fNIRS indicators provide new insights into understanding brain dysfunction in HCP and may offer objective evidence for research into personalized, precision-based neurorehabilitation intervention strategies. Full article

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in rice cultivation is a key determinant of sustainable agriculture, yet the interaction between NUE and the dynamics of rhizosphere soil microbial communities remain poorly understood. In this study, the changes in rhizosphere soil microbial community composition and function due to NUE were analyzed in six rice genotypes across six treatments. Through 16S rRNA/ITS amplicon sequencing, it was found that rice with different NUEs reshaped the rhizosphere soil microbial community structure, but did not significantly alter the α-diversity of the bacterial community. There was a notable difference in the average abundance of the fungus Arnium in the rhizosphere soil of high-NUE rice compared to low-NUE rice, with a 222.2% increase in the former. Correlation analysis indicated that in high-NUE rice, soil nitrate and nitrite contents drove changes in the fungal community, while in low-NUE rice, soil water-soluble nitrogen and total potassium contents were the key influencing factors for changes in the fungal and nitrogen-fixing bacterial communities, respectively. The findings of this study demonstrate a link between NUE-induced changes in the rhizosphere soil microbiome and nitrogen cycling in rice, providing a basis for targeted nitrogen fertilizer management approaches guided by microbial control. Full article

This paper focuses on a comprehensive historical analysis of Colombia’s war and peace trajectory from 1964 to 2023. We use a resilience thinking approach and the adaptive cycle conceptualization of change to analyze this trajectory, based on qualitative and quantitative information on violence, political and social interaction processes, and deforestation, including a statistical analysis of actor dynamics to identify nonlinear phase transitions. As a result, we propose a new narrative: namely, that war is the regular regime, and peace is the collapse of this regime, initiating a process of reorganization and regrowth. This narrative holds for the period between 1964 and 2000, but in the early 2000s, the system was transformed. Actors and their interactions have changed, and a new system has emerged. Secondly, we observe that the increase in violence between 1995 and 2001 coincided with a clear national trend of rising deforestation. However, since 2002, deforestation has remained high while violence has declined, challenging simple causal assumptions. These findings caution against interpreting deforestation dynamics solely through national-scale or post-agreement perspectives. Our results show that peace in Colombia has been fragile and partial, and instead of marking a definitive transition, the post-agreement period reveals a reconfiguration of armed conflict. This complexity underscores the need for future research that considers regional patterns and actor-specific dynamics in forest governance during conflict transitions. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease often resulting in motor and autonomic dysfunction. This case report investigates the acute and subacute effects of the EXOPULSE Mollii Suit (EMS), a wearable device capable of delivering transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to multiple anatomical regions, in a 43-year-old woman with MS. The patient underwent a clinical evaluation before the EMS treatment, during which central nervous system (CNS) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses were monitored using electroencephalography (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), and infrared thermography (IRT). Immediately after the first EMS application, the clinical evaluation was repeated. The intervention continued at home for one month, followed by a post-treatment evaluation similar to the pre-intervention assessment. Functional evaluations showed improvements in sit-to-stand performance (from 8 s to 6 s), muscle tone (MAS scale for the right side from 3 to 2 and for the left side from 2 to 1), clonus, and spasticity (from 3 to 2). EEG results revealed decreased θ-band power (on average, from 0.394 to 0.253) and microstates’ reorganization. ANS activity modifications were highlighted by both HRV (e.g., RMSSD from 0.118 to 0.0837) and IRT metrics (e.g., nose tip temperature sample entropy from 0.090 to 0.239). This study provides the first integrated analysis of CNS and ANS responses to EMS in an MS patient, combining functional scales with multimodal instrumental measurements, emphasizing the possible advantages EMS for MS treatment. Although preliminary, these results demonstrated the potentiality of the EMS to deliver effective and personalized rehabilitative interventions for MS patients. Full article

This study elucidates the key molecular features underlying the embryogenic initiation divergence between japonica rice Chongxiangjing (CXJ) and indica rice 9311 during isolated microspore culture. Comparative transcriptome analysis across critical timepoints (0, 5, and 10 days post-culture initiation) revealed that while both varieties initially exhibit comparable microspore viability, CXJ maintains transcriptional stability and activates developmental programs (e.g., hormone signaling, DNA replication, cell morphogenesis), enabling sustained callus formation. In contrast, 9311 undergoes drastic transcriptome reorganization by 5 days, characterized by maladaptive activation of stress-response pathways (glutathione metabolism, MAPK signaling, ER stress) and futile metabolic reactivation (photosynthesis, starch degradation), culminating in near-total cell death and failed callus induction. Transcription factor dynamics further explain this divergence: CXJ specifically upregulates regulators coordinating development and stress resilience (NAC, ERF, HSF, GRAS, bZIP), while 9311 exhibits detrimental upregulation of FAR1 and B3, leading to catastrophic energy misallocation. These findings identify master transcriptional networks and stress-response pathways as pivotal indicators of embryogenic initiation efficiency, providing strategic targets for enhancing indica rice microspore culture technology. Full article

Polymer-based hybrid composites have emerged as promising platforms for multifunctional energy applications, combining structural versatility with tunable dielectric behavior. In this study, synthesized [Fe(bpy)₃]SO₄; (tris(2,2′-bipyridine)iron(II) sulfate) coordination compound was incorporated into a green epoxy resin matrix to fabricate nanocomposites aimed at enhancing dielectric permittivity (ε′), piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃, pC/N), energy-storage efficiency (n_rel, %), and mechanical strength (σ, MPa). The integration of the Fe(II) complex via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed a homogeneous dispersion within the matrix. Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) revealed the presence of three relaxation processes in the spectra of the tested systems, demonstrating enhanced dielectric permittivity with increasing Fe(II) content. Under progressively shorter relaxation times (τ, s), key processes such as interfacial polarization, the polymer matrix’s transition from a glassy to a rubbery state, and the dynamic reorganization of polar side groups along the polymer backbone are activated. The ability to store and retrieve electric energy was confirmed by varying filler content under direct current (dc) conditions. The nanocomposite with 10 phr (mass parts/100 mass parts of resin) filler achieved a piezoelectric coefficient of d₃₃ = 5.1 pC/N, an energy-storage efficiency of n_rel = 44%, and a tensile strength of σ = 55.5 MPa, all of which surpass values reported for conventional epoxy-based composites. These results confirm the ability of the system to store and retrieve electric energy under direct current (dc) fields, while maintaining mechanical robustness and thermal stability due to synergistic interactions between the epoxy matrix and the Fe(II) complex. The multifunctional behavior of the composites underscores their potential as advanced materials for integrated dielectric, piezoelectric, and energy storage and harvesting applications. Full article

Urban river-crossing corridors serve as critical bottlenecks within urban transportation networks, where traffic management during construction periods directly influences urban operational efficiency and socioeconomic activities. Traditional management approaches based on empirical judgment exhibit fundamental limitations when confronting large-scale infrastructure construction projects, including low prediction accuracy, delayed response times, and insufficient systematic coordination. This survey aims to synthesize existing data-driven approaches, identify research gaps, and establish a roadmap for intelligent traffic management advancement. Unlike previous surveys focusing on individual technologies, this review constructs a complete technical chain from data sensing to intelligent decision-making and systematically reveals implementation pathways for paradigm transformation. The research establishes technical architecture encompassing data sensing, intelligent analysis, predictive warning, and decision support systems, while elucidating the application mechanisms of cutting-edge technologies such as multi-source data fusion, artificial intelligence, and digital twins in urban traffic management. Through analysis of six representative engineering case studies from China, the United States, Republic of Korea, Russia, and Europe, including bridge construction, emergency repair, and highway reconstruction projects, the investigation reveals that data-driven approaches not only achieve improvements in technical performance but also facilitate fundamental paradigm shifts in traffic management philosophy from passive response to proactive prevention, and from localized optimization to systematic coordination. The findings enable policymakers to develop standardized frameworks for data-driven traffic systems, assist urban planners in selecting appropriate technologies based on project characteristics, and guide engineers in implementing integrated traffic management solutions during critical infrastructure construction. Full article

Objective: This article investigated the structural characteristics, powder properties, and performance variations of co-processed pregelatinized starch (PS) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) at varying ratios. Methods: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed the embedding of MCC within the PS matrix. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated no chemical interaction between the starch and MCC during processing. The physical properties of the co-processed materials were evaluated using multiple indicators, such as the Carr index, and their properties in pharmaceutical applications were evaluated using multiple indicators, such as tensile strength and dilution capacity. Results: The absence of new chemical substances during co-processing, as confirmed by FTIR/XRD analyses, coupled with SEM evidence of a physically interlocked MCC-PS architecture, conclusively demonstrates that structural reorganization occurred via physical mechanisms. An increase in the MCC proportion enhanced the tensile strength of the co-processed material while decreasing the Carr’s index, particle size, tapped density, bulk density, swelling, and water-soluble content. A co-processed sample (PS:MCC = 7:3) was selected for application in formulations. The co-processed material exhibited superior compactibility compared to a physical mixture and demonstrated favorable dilution capacity in poorly compactible model drugs, including Linaoxin and Lingzhi spore powder, as well as higher biological inertness. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the co-processed PS and MCC possess excellent compactibility and dilution capacity. The co-processed excipient demonstrates applicability in direct compression manufacturing of oral solid dosage forms (e.g., tablets), offering distinct advantages for high drug-loading formulations. Full article